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Day 1 CPT Universities What to Know
Before Applying

Navigating the realm of Day 1 CPT universities (jump to the school list) can be challenging. With our expert insights, we aim to shed light on this unique academic opportunity, addressing frequently raised concerns and providing clarity where needed.

If you want to save your time, fill out a form below. We will evaluate your situation and get you a personalized shortlist of Day 1 CPT universities and Day 1 CPT programs. (We take your privacy seriously, all information provided is for evaluation purposes only, it will not be shared with a third party unless you authorize us to apply to Day 1 universities on your behalf.)

What is Day 1 CPT University?

Day 1 CPT universities (also called “CPT Schools”) are institutions that offer programs supporting Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization right from the start of their programs. This concept, which is not officially defined, is well-known among the community of international students. Day 1 CPT allows them to engage in practical training and work alongside their studies from the very outset, sometimes from the literal first day.

Such programs are a boon for international students, as they offer internship opportunities even before graduation. This is especially beneficial for those who might not have an extensive local network to aid in job hunting. Moreover, CPT serves as an alternative for legal employment, especially for those who face challenges in obtaining an H1B visa.

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Reminder: The term "Day 1 CPT Universities" is not officially recognized. Instead, it typically refers to universities that allow students to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from their first semester. However, obtaining CPT approval on day one of the program is not guaranteed and depends on the timely submission and completeness of the application documents. Typically, it takes 5-15 business days to receive CPT approval after the documents have been received.

 

Key Benefits of Day 1 CPT Universities

Practical Experience

Day 1 CPT programs provide students with real-life experience in their chosen field, giving them a competitive edge.

Legal Employment Avenue

For those who find it challenging to secure an H1B visa, CPT serves as a viable alternative.

Networking Opportunities

Engaging in CPT allows students to build a local network, which can be invaluable during job hunting.

Top Day 1 CPT Universities in the U.S.

Schools are listed for comparison, not ranked. Tuition figures are starting estimates; confirm current rates on each university’s official tuition page before you apply.

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Westcliff University

Locations:California, Florida, Texas
Tuition:From $15k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Varies by program
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Accounting & Finance, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Analytics & Data & AI
STEMPayment PlanScholarshipsDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 03/01/2027 05/03/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Monroe University

Locations:New York
Tuition:From $11k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Varies by program
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Accounting & Finance, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Analytics & Data & AI, Law & Policy, Humanities & Social Science
STEMPayment PlanScholarships

Upcoming Intakes:

01/08/2027 04/28/2027 09/09/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


New England College

Locations:New Hampshire
Tuition:From $10k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Analytics & Data & AI
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 03/15/2027 05/03/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Indiana Wesleyan University

Locations:Indiana, Texas
Tuition:From $8k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, IT & Computer Science, Business Administration & Management, Health Science
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-CapDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 01/04/2027 02/01/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Avila University Arizona

Locations:Arizona
Tuition:From $9k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Bi-Monthly
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, Business Administration & Management
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 03/15/2027 05/10/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Goldey-Beacom College

Locations:Delaware
Tuition:From $13k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Bi-Monthly
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, Accounting & Finance, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Humanities & Social Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/19/2027 03/15/2027 05/10/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Ottawa University

Locations:Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin
Tuition:From $16k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Varies by program
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, Health Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-CapDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 03/08/2027 05/03/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Humphreys University

Locations:California
Tuition:From $10k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, IT & Computer Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 04/05/2027 07/05/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Curry College

Locations:Massachusetts
Tuition:From $16k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Bi-Monthly
Majors:Business Administration & Management, IT & Computer Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/25/2027 03/22/2027 05/24/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Bay Atlantic University

Locations:Washington D.C.
Tuition:From $15k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, IT & Computer Science
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/19/2027 06/01/2027

Apply now! Learn more


National Louis University

Locations:Florida, Illinois
Tuition:From $18k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, Business Administration & Management
STEMPayment PlanMaster-CapDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

01/18/2027 01/18/2027 04/12/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Lamar University

Locations:Texas
Tuition:From $11k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Bi-Monthly
Majors:Business Administration & Management
Payment PlanScholarshipsMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/19/2027

Apply now! Learn more


Concordia University Texas

Locations:Texas
Tuition:From $13k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, IT & Computer Science
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 05/03/2027

Apply now! Learn more


Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Locations:Pennsylvania
Tuition:From $17k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, Health Science, Natural Science, Nursing, IT & Computer Science, Arts and Design, Engineering, Media & Communication, Business Administration & Management, Humanities & Social Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-CapDoctor's Degree

Upcoming Intakes:

01/09/2027 03/06/2027 05/08/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


Texas Wesleyan University

Locations:Texas
Tuition:From $15k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI, Health Science, Nursing
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 03/23/2027 05/24/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


McDaniel College

Locations:Maryland
Tuition:From $10k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI
STEMAIPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/25/2027

Apply now! Learn more


Benedictine University

Locations:Illinois, Arizona
Tuition:From $13k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Analytics & Data & AI, Health Science
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/11/2027 03/15/2027 05/10/2027
See more intake dates

Apply now! Learn more


North Carolina Wesleyan University

Locations:North Carolina
Tuition:From $11k/Year
Onsite Frequency:Once Per Term
Majors:Business Administration & Management, Analytics & Data & AI
STEMPayment PlanMaster-Cap

Upcoming Intakes:

01/04/2027 05/10/2027

Apply now! Learn more
Page 1

Day 1 CPT Universities: 25 Quick Facts

Following are some 25 frequent questions we encountered while consulting students who are interested in or have already enrolled in Day 1 CPT universities:

Want to compare schools first? Jump back to the school list to see tuition, location, onsite frequency and upcoming intakes for each university.

1. Which Day 1 CPT school is the most Affordable?
2. Which Day 1 CPT school has the longest history?

Ottawa University – Founded in 1865

  • Locations: Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin
  • The oldest institution among the schools listed on this page
  • Tuition: see Ottawa University’s profile for current rates

Goldey-Beacom College – Founded in 1886

  • Location: Wilmington, Delaware
  • Popular majors: MBA, Finance, Accounting
  • Tuition: $725 per credit for master’s students (2026–27). Total tuition depends on your program’s credit requirement — for example, 36 credits × $725 = $26,100 before fees.

Indiana Wesleyan University – Founded in 1920

  • Location: Merrillville, Indiana (about 40 miles from Chicago)
  • Popular majors: AI, CIS, Computer Science
  • Tuition: $499 per credit — the lowest per-credit rate of these schools. IWU also requires master’s F-1 students to take UNV-501 each term, so its own first-year estimate for tuition and fees is $11,293.98. Total program estimates range from about $19,800 (30 credits) to $27,500 (42 credits).

Concordia University Texas – Founded in 1926

  • Location: Austin, Texas
  • Program for F-1 students: hybrid MBA (about 20 months), with one required residency weekend on campus each semester
  • Tuition: $785 per credit (2026–27); Concordia estimates $14,130 in tuition for the year. A partner rate of $700 per credit is available when you apply through GoElite — see the disclosure in Q9.
3. Which Day 1 CPT Universities have the lowest RFE rate?

There is no official data on RFE rates by school, so we don’t rank universities this way. Whether you receive a Request for Evidence on a later filing (such as an H-1B petition or change of status) depends mostly on your own record, including:

  • Whether each degree you pursued was a genuine academic step
  • Whether you met attendance, enrollment and GPA requirements every term
  • Whether every job you held matched an active CPT authorization on your Form I-20
  • Whether your study history is consistent (for example, enrolling in multiple master’s programs)

Choosing a regionally accredited school with strong compliance support helps, but no school can guarantee an RFE-free outcome.

Read: How to Prevent RFE?

4. Which Companies Accept Day 1 CPT?

We understand this is an important issue for you. Therefore we consolidated a list >>> Day 1 CPT Employers

5. Day 1 CPT might not be the best option for you if...

  • You can’t fulfill responsibilities associated with F visa， such as attending on-site classes, keeping your GPA above 3.0, etc.

  • You are a H4 holder whose spouse’s I-140 has already been approved.

  • You have submitted immigration request to USCIS before.

    >>>>Learn More about Day 1 CPT and Things to Watch out Before Enrollment

6. Common Reasons for an RFE?

RFE will be based on the following reasons.

  1. USCIS needs to verify if you have finished your degree.

  2. USCIS wants to know your genuine intention to resume your academic plans.

  3. The USCIS is seeking clarification on your pursuit of multiple master's degrees despite already obtaining one.

    >>>> Learn More about Day 1 CPT & H1B RFE

7. Which Day 1 CPT university offers the most scholarships?

Westcliff University offers the largest variety of scholarships, including school awards of up to $10,000.

8. Which Day 1 CPT University has the lowest onsite frequency?

With the ease of the pandemic, many Day 1 CPT universities resumed their on-site sessions. Here is an on-site frequency checker you can use. We update the information monthly.

9. Which university offers exclusive scholarships for day1cpt.org students?
  • Concordia University Texas — MBA tuition of $700 per credit when you apply through GoElite, compared with Concordia’s published 2026–27 rate of $785 per credit (about 10.8% lower).
10. Which university process CPT applications the fastest?

According to our students: New England College (NEC)

11. What are your responsibilities during your time on CPT?
12. When is the best time to enroll in a day 1 CPT program to avoid a status vacuum?

At least 1 month before your previous status is expired.

i.e. If your OPT will be over in May, start the application process in early April.

>>> Read our Guide: Day 1 CPT and Day 1 CPT Universities Application Timeline

13. While on day 1 CPT, am I allowed to travel outside of the United States?

Whether you are using your CPT or not, you are an F1 student. F1 students can have an F1 visa which allows them to travel back and forth.

14. Should I put my Day 1 CPT Universities on my resume?

After receiving an offer, HR typically conducts a background check that reveals your complete education history. While Day 1 CPT universities might not have high rankings, their practical approach offers unique value to potential employees. There's no need to conceal your education history.

15. How much time does a Day 1 CPT program take each week?

Plan for far more than a few hours. Under the federal credit-hour standard that accredited U.S. schools follow, each credit represents roughly one hour of instruction plus at least two hours of independent work per week over a 15-week semester. A typical 3-credit course therefore works out to around 9 hours a week, and a 6-credit semester to around 18 hours a week.

Many Day 1 CPT programs run accelerated 8-week sessions, which pack the same work into fewer weeks. Add onsite residencies, travel time and any assignments in your CPT internship course.

Actual workload varies by course and school, so ask the program for a sample syllabus before enrolling, and plan your CPT hours accordingly.

Read Student Review to get a sense of what it is like studying at Day 1 CPT universities

 

16. Can I graduate from a Day 1 CPT school without doing an internship?

Of course. Day 1 CPT is merely an unofficial term to describe these institutes that offer the option of CPT as early as the first day of your study. Many of these schools have regular programs or can waive internship requirements if you wish. In the following CPT universities, you can graduate without taking CPT courses:

  • Humphreys University
  • Westcliff University
  • Monroe College
  • Harrisburg University
  • CIAM
  • University of the Cumberlands
  • McDaniel College
17. What happens if my GPA falls under 3.0?

You may lose your CPT authorization. You may even face expulsion from the school if no progress is shown.

>>>> Learn More about Day 1 CPT before you decide to use it.

18. Can I do Day 1 CPT as an H4 holder?

As an H4 holder, you may study at any school as a part-time student. If you wish to enroll as a full-time student and use CPT as a form of work authorization, you will need to apply for a Change of Status (COS), which, with the primary process, takes about 1 month when processed domestically.

>>>> Read more about How Could H4 Holders Work Legally in the U.S.?

19. Day 1 CPT Programs that can finish within 1 year?

Usually not. Most Day 1 CPT master’s programs are designed to take about 16–24 months, and your expected completion date is recorded on your Form I-20. Some students can finish faster by taking extra credits, but you need approval from your academic advisor and your DSO, since a change to your completion date affects your I-20 record.

Watch the online-course rule when adding courses. Each term, only one online class (or 3 credits) that does not require physical attendance can count toward your full-time course load. You may take additional online courses beyond the full-time minimum, but your required full-time credits must otherwise come from on-site or qualifying hybrid courses. Students in language study programs cannot count any online classes.

Falling short of a full course of study can be treated as a failure to maintain F-1 status, which can end your CPT and create problems in future immigration applications. Check every schedule change with your DSO first.

20. Why Day 1 CPT universities don't have good rankings?

Honestly, their rankings are not that bad. The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, which ranks much lower than most of the Day 1 CPT universities we work with.

On that note, Day 1 CPT universities don't usually factor into the US News Ranking system because they are occupationally oriented rather than research-oriented. The criteria to determine their worthiness are very different.

21. What can I do if I failed at my CPT school?

If you are unable to raise your GPA above 3.0 or if you face expulsion from your CPT school for other reasons, consider pursuing an emergency transfer or a change of status to a different type of visa to maintain your legal status in the U.S. Reach out to our experts for guidance on this matter and take swift action before you jeopardize your current F1 status.

22. Is it important to have a STEM day 1 CPT degree?

Yes and No.

STEM is highly valued in the U.S. It's a strong addition to your resume and provides you with 3 years of OPT after graduating from a STEM program. However, if this is your second master's and you've already used OPT from your first one, you can't use OPT from another master's program. The right enrollment window or location or tuition…might carry more weight in your decision-making at this point. Choosing the right program and Day 1 CPT university is a complex process, book a free consultation with our expert to make it easier.

23. Can I do Day 1 CPT if I'm an initial F1 student?

Possibly, but only in limited cases. Federal rules normally require one full academic year of full-time F-1 enrollment before CPT. The exception is for graduate programs that require immediate participation in practical training — so first-term CPT is generally not available to undergraduate students.

Even at the graduate level, school policies differ. Some schools only allow first-term CPT for students transferring an existing F-1 record, while others accept initial students in certain programs. Before you apply, confirm in writing with the school’s international office that your specific program allows CPT in the first term for initial F-1 students.

Keep in mind:

  • You must have a qualifying job or internship offer before CPT can be authorized.
  • Your DSO — not USCIS — authorizes CPT, and you can only start work on or after the CPT start date on your endorsed Form I-20.
  • As an initial student, you will need an F-1 visa, and your study plans should be consistent and genuine during your visa interview and at the port of entry.

Consult with our experts or a qualified immigration attorney about your situation.

24. Which Day 1 CPT universities you don't recommend?

  • Day 1 CPT universities with no accreditation

  • Day 1 CPT universities that lack strong post-enrollment support. For such schools, getting admitted is easy, but securing timely CPT approval could be difficult. We only work with and recommend schools that prioritize students, not just revenue.

  • Depending on your situation, our experts may eliminate certain schools as preferred choices for you. Connect our consultants for personalized advice!

25. Besides tuition, what other fees should I be aware of?

Aside from tuition, here are a few key costs you should consider:

  • CPT Fee - If you plan to use CPT, make sure to confirm whether your tuition includes the CPT fee. Some Day 1 CPT schools include it in the tuition (it’s usually equivalent to one credit per semester), while others charge separately.
  • Textbooks & Digital Resources - Some schools, like CIAM, cover the cost of textbooks and digital resources in their tuition. Others may charge additional fees for these materials.
  • Enrollment & Registration Fees -Some schools have a non-refundable enrollment fee, and a registration fee each term. These can vary but are common across institutions.

Always check with the school’s official cost breakdown so you can budget accurately. Please connect our consultants for personalized advice!

Free Registration to Secure Your Scholarship

✓ One-on-One Free Consultation

✓ Personalized Day 1 CPT Universities List

✓ Application Fee Wavier & Application Assistant

✓ Scholarship Opportunities

✓ Connecting to the Admission Officer to Get Pre-Approval

✓ Premium Process - Get an Offer and I-20 within 3 days [added-value service]

*Our consultants are committed to providing a seamless experience. Once you initiate a case with us, you will be assigned a specific consultant who will thoroughly understand your case, ensuring that there's no need for you to repeat information each time you call. We will not change your consultant unless you request it.

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